A NEW section of a track designed to challenge and thrill cyclists has been unveiled.

The OddSox single track trail in Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, was formally opened on Saturday, May 16, by representatives from Beamish OddSox, Hamsterley Trailblazers and the Forestry Commission.

The latest stretch of track forms part of the Forestry Commission's plan to create a complete single track trail at the 2,000 hectare forest.

The new length of the trail has been named OddSox after the region's biggest and oldest mountain biking club Beamish OddSox donated nearly £3,000 towards the development.

The trail was built under the guidance of the Forestry Commission with the support of an army of volunteers and trail planners from local volunteer group Hamsterley Trailblazers.

Alex MacLennan, recreation and public affairs manager for the Forestry Commission in the North East, said: "Under the guidance of the Forestry Commission, with the full support of the local community of volunteers and cyclists we pulled out all the stops to create a wonderful new track in Hamsterley Forest.

"The Hamsterley trail is one of the region's major tourist attractions for cyclists and we look forward to welcoming many new cyclists to enjoy our offer and help bolster the local economy.

"Hamsterley Forest continues to attract more visitors to the local area year on year and we hope that that by continuing the development of the trail we will shore up the offer even more."

Other recent investments at the forest include a new footbridge which linked the walking and cycle trails to the recently improved visitor centre, car park and onsite cycle centre and the creation of Gruffalo and Superworm trails for children.